Motta Sant'Anastasia
| Motta Sant'Anastasia | |
|---|---|
| Comune | |
| Comune di Motta Sant'Anastasia | |
 Motta Sant'Anastasia
|
|
| Coordinates: 37°30′N 14°58′E / 37.500°N 14.967°ECoordinates: 37°30′N 14°58′E / 37.500°N 14.967°E | |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Sicily |
| Province / Metropolitan city | Province of Catania (CT) |
| Frazioni | Piano Tavola |
| Area | |
| • Total | 35.7 km2 (13.8 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 275 m (902 ft) |
| Population (Dec. 2007) | |
| • Total | 11,203 |
| • Density | 310/km2 (810/sq mi) |
| Demonym(s) | Mottesi |
| Time zone | CET (UTC+1) |
| • Summer (DST) | CEST (UTC+2) |
| Postal code | 95040 |
| Dialing code | 095 |
Motta Sant'Anastasia is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Catania in the Italian region Sicily, located about 160 kilometres (99 mi) southeast of Palermo and about 9 kilometres (6 mi) west of Catania. As of 31 December 2007, it had a population of 11,203 and an area of 35.7 square kilometres (13.8 sq mi).
The municipality of Motta Sant'Anastasia contains the frazione (subdivision) Piano Tavola and also the Naval Air Station Sigonella. The latter accounts for the substantial numbers of American military personnel and their families who reside in Motta Sant'Anastasia.
Motta Sant'Anastasia borders the following municipalities: Belpasso, Camporotondo Etneo, Catania, Misterbianco.
Giuseppe Di Stefano was a native of Motta Sant'Anastasia.
Motta, like other cities in the Simeto Valley, has ancient origins. Archaeological studies dating back to 1954 in contrada Ardizzone, attest Greek presence in the territory around the 5th–4th centuries BC. The Roman period, however, was evidenced by the discovery of some coins from the period of the great empire, and a mosaic found in contrada Acquarone, belonging to a villa.
On behalf of Motta Sant'Anastasia name there are several hypotheses. According to some scholars Motta (pre-Roman name) and Anastasia (Greek-Byzantine name) have similar meanings and indicate the nature of the place, the typical relief of the territory that has been characterized by the Neck and the surrounding area of Motta Sant'Anastasia. Later in the 12th–14th centuries, the two names were combined and citizens joined in devotion and worship of Sant'Anastasia, patroness of the town.
Motta, since the period of Dionysus, tyrant of Syracuse, has held a role of considerable importance as a stronghold of warning and defence.
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Wikipedia